When she opened the cage,
she felt bars beneath her fingers,
a metallic chill that lingers
and almost stops the heart.
Her soul perched on the edge
among shadows of danger,
liberty felt so much stranger
and the landscape was stark.
The taming had taken its joyfulness,
silenced its song and left it helpless.
Its eyes were dull, their spark was quelled,
it was not ready to face the world.
It would not take flight,
delicate bones had petrified,
once glossy feathers had all but dried –
but then it felt the sun,
a single beam of light
through a window opened wide,
it caught a whiff of liberty outside –
and knew the re-wilding had begun.
Kim M. Russell, 22nd August 2020
For earthweal open link weekend, also linked to Poets and Storytellers United Writers’ Pantry
I returned to Sherry’s weekly challenge from Monday and the idea of re-wilding our souls.
Deep linking between psyche and body, Kim. Favorite lines:
“she felt bars beneath her fingers,
a metallic chill that lingers”
and
“It would not take flight,
delicate bones had petrified,”
And then “a single beam of light” and “a whiff of liberty”
I ❤ your poem.
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Thanks so much, Lisa.😊
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You’re very welcome. You inspired the triolet today ❤
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I love that moment of recognizing freedom. Once I rescued a hummingbird that had gotten indoors. She was so terrified, when I opened my hands to release her, she was on her back, immobile. Suddenly, she realized she was free and zoomed off. It felt much like your poem describes…………….
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Thank you, Sherry. I had a similar experience when I rescued a bird from my cat. I think souls must be like birds.
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Rewilding. We need more of that. Thank you.
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We certainly do!
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Wonderful metaphor. And I like what you’ve done with form, with that central verse the nadir from which the only way is up. A beautiful poem, Kim.
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Thank you, Rosemary. I’m glad you commented on the form!
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I think you’ve caught the spirit of rebirth, of life which renews itself if given only a small crack to break through. Especially like the last lines.
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Thank you, Joy.
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I can feel the power of her rebirth. And I love how some of the most important things are started by a spark. The whole things gives a soul a whole lot of hope.
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We all need rewilding at the moment.
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Indeed!
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Rebirth. reprieve, retrieved freedom. All it takes is a gap in the bars and a little sunshine. Patience.
Great writing, KR.
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Cheers Ron!
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Light revives the downtrodden, the weary, and the prisoner. O let there be light!
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🤓
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This was amazing. That courage in the end–what a lift!
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Thank you, Wyndolynne!
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A poignant picture of a caged bird. Fly free little bird, fly free!!!!
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Thank you, Bev!
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A thrilling addition to the challenge, Kim. You capture so well the hesitation and fear which precedes trust. And then lift wings and fly. Loved it. – Brendan
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Thank you, Brendan.
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Beautiful I completely felt the emotions of the bird especially the “whiff of liberty” Great
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Thank you, Marja!
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Luv the rekindle from sun’s warmth. Tha awesome source. And i lu the word re-wilding
Happy Sunday
Much💝love
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Much love to you, Gillena, and happy Monday!
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Liberty and freedom. This first apprehensive first steps to return but the opportunities abound. Ha!
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That’s exactly how I’ve been feeling since 1st August when I was allowed out after shielding. Covid is a cruel cage.
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this was uplifting and inspiring. i enjoyed it very much.
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Thanks for reading and commenting.
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rewilding- birds and souls – that made me stop and think… I will keep coming back to that thought. Thanks, Kim.
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I’m still in the process of rewilding after being shielded for six months. Being outside is so much better than watching from the inside.
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Oh I agree… not so lucky here…the virus is still in command with no signs of relenting.
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